Anthony Joshua is fighting against Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius in a 12-round main event at The O2 in London this Saturday, shown exclusively live worldwide on DAZN. This comes after Whyte’s random anti-doping test returned “adverse analytical findings”, as confirmed by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA). Matchroom Boxing swiftly responded, stating the fight’s cancellation and announcing a full investigation.
Despite the abrupt change in opponents, Joshua remains undeterred, stating, “This wasn't in the script, but I am laser focused on the win. I respect Helenius, and Saturday night is just another checkpoint on my roadmap.” Meanwhile, Dillian Whyte has voiced his shock and disappointment over the adverse drug test findings. Asserting his innocence, Whyte remarked, “I am completely innocent and ask to be given the time to go through the process of proving this.”
In the co-main event, the British heavyweight Derek Chisora (33-13, 23 KOs) is set to clash with Gerald Washington (20-5-1, 13 KOs). This matchup seems strategically planned to attract older fans. While Washington has had a notably quiet period since January 2022 and boasts a 2-5 record over the past five years, Chisora’s recent track record hasn’t been stellar either, with a single win in his last five fights, a contentious decision against Kubrat Pulev in 2022.
Moreover, Croatian heavyweight Filip Hrgovic (15-0, 12 KOs), an undefeated Rio 2016 Olympic Bronze medalist, squares off with Australian contender Demsey McKean (22-0, 14 KOs). Hrgovic, who clinched a win in August 2022, aims to stake his claim on the heavyweight championship, while McKean, fresh off a KO victory against Patrick Korte, is equally determined to inch closer to a title fight against Usyk for four World Titles.
The night also presents an exciting all-British clash for the Southern Area title, featuring Johnny Fisher (9-0, 8 KOs) and Harry Armstrong (5-1-1, 0 KOs). Fisher is keen on extending his winning streak post his victory against Emilio Salas, while Armstrong, looking to rebound from his first career defeat, eyes redemption.
Main card:
▪️Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius, 12 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Derek Chisora vs. Gerald Washington, 10 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Filip Hrgovic vs. Demsey McKean, 12 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Johnny Fisher vs. Harry Armstrong, 10 rounds, heavyweight ▪️Campbell Hatton vs. Tom Answell, 8 rounds, super lightweight
Before the Bell: (begins at 12:15 pm ET)
▪️George Liddard vs. Bas Oosterweghel, 6 rounds, middleweight ▪️Brandon Scott vs. Louis Norman, 6 rounds, super featherweight ▪️Maisey Rose Courtney vs. Gemma Ruegg, 6 rounds, female super flyweight
